You are more than someone with SMA. Who are you?
SMA is an all-consuming condition and affects so much of our lives. Other than SMA, how do you describe yourself? What is your passion? How have you adapted living with SMA so you can be who you are?
SMA is a big part of my life, but it’s not the whole story. I describe myself as a writer, artist, and mental health advocate (in training) who’s passionate about storytelling and creativity. Writing has always been my way of expressing myself and connecting with others, whether it’s through personal reflections, fanfiction, or crafting scenes that explore emotional depth just for fun when I’m bored.
Living with SMA has taught me how to adapt in ways that help me pursue what I love. For example, I use assistive technology for drawing to work around hand weakness, and I approach challenges with a mix of creativity and patience. I’ve also learned to lean into collaboration—asking for help when I need it and finding ways to make things work as a team. SMA shapes parts of my life, but it doesn’t define all of who I am. My passions and creativity always come first. -Jennifer SpinalMuscularAtrophy.net Moderator
